|

Top 5 Hiking Snacks for the Trail

When you shop through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. This educational content is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice.

June 23, 2021

Thank goodness the warmer weather is here to stay. We’re having a bit more rain than normal here in Vermont but on those beautiful, sunny days, I really love to go out for a summer hike. I don’t set foot on the trail without bringing a bottle of water and a few snacks. Hiking can burn a lot of energy and these hiking snacks help you recharge.

Best Hiking Snacks

The best hiking snacks and foods are those that give you a lasting burst of energy. I find this especially helpful on the last mile of the trip or when I’m working my way up a steep incline. These are the best foods for hiking that I’ve come across both for portability and taste. As a note, try to avoid snacks that are individually wrapped unless you plan on hiking out all the empty wrappers. Many trails don’t have trash cans and you don’t want to leave litter behind.

  • GORP – Good Old Raisins and Peanuts. Otherwise known as trail mix. It’s a combination of nuts, raisins and sometimes chocolate. Skip the chocolate if it’s summertime to avoid a melting mess.
  • Energy Bars – Look for an energy bar that has healthy, natural nutrition without added sugars. A few of my favorites are Larabars and ProBars.
  • Granola or granola bars – Make your own or buy it from the store. Look for a granola that is low in sugar and has added nuts and raisins without the added candy and extra sugar.
  • Nuts and seeds – Pistachios, hazelnuts, peanuts, almonds or pecans. Pick your favorite and enjoy the healthy fats that nuts provide. Toss some pumpkin or sunflower seeds in for variety.
  • Beef jerky – Beef jerky provides healthy oils and protein which will help the energy burst from carbohydrates and sugars be released more slowly into your bloodstream.
  • Dried fruit – Dried fruit will give you a healthy burst of energy from the higher sugar content. However, to make it last longer, enjoy this with a few almonds or cashews.

If you plan on carrying a refrigerated cooler bag, you can add Greek yogurt, cheese sticks or a hard boiled egg. These are great snacks but definitely require refrigeration of some sort to keep them fresh.

No matter what hiking snacks you bring on the trail, make sure you remember to pack it in and pack it out. Don’t leave waste behind when you’re hiking and always leave the area the same way as when you arrived. Now get out there and get moving!

What are your favorite hiking snacks? Share in the comments below!

Plus, check out these state campgrounds for overnight hiking options!

Sharing is caring!

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *